Richard Bolitho
Encyclopedia
The Bolitho novels are a series of nautical war novel
s written by Douglas Reeman
(using the pseudonym Alexander Kent). They focus on the military careers of Richard Bolitho and Adam Bolitho in the Royal Navy, from the time of the American Revolution
past the Napoleonic Era
.
officer who is the main character in a series of novels written by Douglas Reeman
(using the pseudonym Alexander Kent). Bolitho was born in 1756 in Falmouth, Cornwall
, in the United Kingdom, the second son of a prestigious naval family. He joined the navy in 1768. He served in the wars against France and the United States. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1774, captain in 1782, and admiral in 1812. He died in action against the French in 1815. The name Bolitho is a common Cornish surname
, but Reeman says that he borrowed the name Richard Bolitho from a real person, "a distinguished old chap" he had met in the Channel Islands when he sailed his boat there. Reeman also states that the real Richard Bolitho was the brother of the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall
.
Among his fellow officers, Bolitho was known for his tactical ingenuity, his daring, and his disregard of both convention and political expediency. He rose to high rank—despite the opposition of less competent men—because of his ability to win crucial victories against seemingly impossible odds. Among the men of the fleet, Bolitho was known as a demanding but scrupulously fair and humane captain. The men sometimes referred to him, though never to his face, as "Equality Dick." His reputation as a paragon of decency in a brutal world created a fierce sense of loyalty among those who had served under him.
Officers and men who served under Bolitho frequently chose, when given the chance, to do so again. Ships in the squadrons he commanded as a senior officer were frequently commanded by men who had served as his lieutenants when he was a captain. His most lasting relationships were with Thomas Herrick—a fellow officer and his oldest friend—and John Allday, a former Cornish shepherd who became Bolitho's coxswain and de facto bodyguard.
Bolitho had a number of romances. One of the first was Viola Raymond, the wife of an English diplomat. She died while Bolitho and a small number of his crew were stranded in a boat in the tropics, but it was her courage and sacrifice that rallied the crew. Bolitho married twice. His first wife, Cheney Seton, died in a carriage accident. His relationship with the second, Belinda, the mother of his child Elizabeth, deteriorated when it became clear that she was nothing like the person he thought he married and was a very selfish individual. Estranged from her and his daughter, he carried on an increasingly public affair with Lady Catherine Somervell, who was his wife in all but name until his death.
Douglas Reeman uses some real locations as settings for his stories. The fictitious Bolitho ancestral home near Falmouth was inspired by a house which Reeman saw and photographed in the 1960s at Philleigh near the King Harry Ferry
in Cornwall. In reality, the house is not near Falmouth at all, so Reeman "relocated" it for his novels. However, the Church of King Charles the Martyr
, which occurs in the books, really does exist in Falmouth.
Reeman's own Royal Navy career and lifelong interest in sailing inform his seafaring novels. He saw active service with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, serving in the North Sea, Arctic, Atlantic and Mediterranean campaigns. Starting as a midshipman in destroyers he later transferred to motor torpedo boats, where he was twice mentioned in dispatches.
officer who is the main character in a series of novels written by Douglas Reeman
(using the pseudonym Alexander Kent), succeeding the previous main character Richard Bolitho.
In Enemy In Sight, Richard Bolitho is joined by his nephew Adam Pascoe, who is later renamed Adam Bolitho when he becomes Richard's heir. Adam, the only son of Richard's disgraced older brother Hugh, was born in 1780 in Penzance
, Cornwall
, shortly after his father joined the revolution in America
. Having been sent to Richard at the age of 14 by his dying mother, he joined the Royal Navy
, rising through the ranks to establish himself as a daring and resourceful frigate
captain, as his uncle had once done.
Adam's role in the series steadily increases as Richard ages and achieves high rank. After Richard's death, he becomes the principal character in the series.
There were also some omnibus editions which collected several books from the series into one volume
War novel
A war novel is a novel in which the primary action takes place in a field of armed combat, or in a domestic setting where the characters are preoccupied with the preparations for, or recovery from, war...
s written by Douglas Reeman
Douglas Reeman
Douglas Edward Reeman, born at Thames Ditton, is a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars....
(using the pseudonym Alexander Kent). They focus on the military careers of Richard Bolitho and Adam Bolitho in the Royal Navy, from the time of the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
past the Napoleonic Era
Napoleonic Era
The Napoleonic Era is a period in the history of France and Europe. It is generally classified as including the fourth and final stage of the French Revolution, the first being the National Assembly, the second being the Legislative Assembly, and the third being the Directory...
.
Richard Bolitho
Richard Bolitho is a fictional Royal NavyRoyal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
officer who is the main character in a series of novels written by Douglas Reeman
Douglas Reeman
Douglas Edward Reeman, born at Thames Ditton, is a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars....
(using the pseudonym Alexander Kent). Bolitho was born in 1756 in Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth, Cornwall
Falmouth is a town, civil parish and port on the River Fal on the south coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. It has a total resident population of 21,635.Falmouth is the terminus of the A39, which begins some 200 miles away in Bath, Somerset....
, in the United Kingdom, the second son of a prestigious naval family. He joined the navy in 1768. He served in the wars against France and the United States. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1774, captain in 1782, and admiral in 1812. He died in action against the French in 1815. The name Bolitho is a common Cornish surname
Cornish surnames
Cornish surnames are surnames used by Cornish people and often derived from the Cornish language. Such surnames for the common people emerged in the Middle Ages, although the nobility probably had surnames much earlier on. Not until the later Middle Ages did it become necessary for a common man to...
, but Reeman says that he borrowed the name Richard Bolitho from a real person, "a distinguished old chap" he had met in the Channel Islands when he sailed his boat there. Reeman also states that the real Richard Bolitho was the brother of the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall
Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall
This is a list of people who have served as Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall. Since 1742, all the Lords Lieutenant have also been Custos Rotulorum of Cornwall.*John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford 1552–1554*John Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Bath 1556–?...
.
Among his fellow officers, Bolitho was known for his tactical ingenuity, his daring, and his disregard of both convention and political expediency. He rose to high rank—despite the opposition of less competent men—because of his ability to win crucial victories against seemingly impossible odds. Among the men of the fleet, Bolitho was known as a demanding but scrupulously fair and humane captain. The men sometimes referred to him, though never to his face, as "Equality Dick." His reputation as a paragon of decency in a brutal world created a fierce sense of loyalty among those who had served under him.
Officers and men who served under Bolitho frequently chose, when given the chance, to do so again. Ships in the squadrons he commanded as a senior officer were frequently commanded by men who had served as his lieutenants when he was a captain. His most lasting relationships were with Thomas Herrick—a fellow officer and his oldest friend—and John Allday, a former Cornish shepherd who became Bolitho's coxswain and de facto bodyguard.
Bolitho had a number of romances. One of the first was Viola Raymond, the wife of an English diplomat. She died while Bolitho and a small number of his crew were stranded in a boat in the tropics, but it was her courage and sacrifice that rallied the crew. Bolitho married twice. His first wife, Cheney Seton, died in a carriage accident. His relationship with the second, Belinda, the mother of his child Elizabeth, deteriorated when it became clear that she was nothing like the person he thought he married and was a very selfish individual. Estranged from her and his daughter, he carried on an increasingly public affair with Lady Catherine Somervell, who was his wife in all but name until his death.
Douglas Reeman uses some real locations as settings for his stories. The fictitious Bolitho ancestral home near Falmouth was inspired by a house which Reeman saw and photographed in the 1960s at Philleigh near the King Harry Ferry
King Harry Ferry
The King Harry Ferry Bridge is a vehicular chain ferry which crosses the Carrick Roads reach of the estuary of the River Fal in the United Kingdom county of Cornwall. The ferry crosses between the villages of Feock and Philleigh, roughly half way between the city of Truro, the lowest bridging point...
in Cornwall. In reality, the house is not near Falmouth at all, so Reeman "relocated" it for his novels. However, the Church of King Charles the Martyr
Church of King Charles the Martyr, Falmouth
The Church of King Charles the Martyr is a parish church in the Church of England located in Falmouth, Cornwall.-History:The foundation stone was laid in August 1662 and the church was consecrated in 1665 by Seth Ward, Bishop of Exeter....
, which occurs in the books, really does exist in Falmouth.
Reeman's own Royal Navy career and lifelong interest in sailing inform his seafaring novels. He saw active service with the Royal Navy during the Second World War, serving in the North Sea, Arctic, Atlantic and Mediterranean campaigns. Starting as a midshipman in destroyers he later transferred to motor torpedo boats, where he was twice mentioned in dispatches.
Adam Bolitho
Adam Bolitho is a fictional Royal NavyRoyal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
officer who is the main character in a series of novels written by Douglas Reeman
Douglas Reeman
Douglas Edward Reeman, born at Thames Ditton, is a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars....
(using the pseudonym Alexander Kent), succeeding the previous main character Richard Bolitho.
In Enemy In Sight, Richard Bolitho is joined by his nephew Adam Pascoe, who is later renamed Adam Bolitho when he becomes Richard's heir. Adam, the only son of Richard's disgraced older brother Hugh, was born in 1780 in Penzance
Penzance
Penzance is a town, civil parish, and port in Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom. It is the most westerly major town in Cornwall and is approximately 75 miles west of Plymouth and 300 miles west-southwest of London...
, Cornwall
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
, shortly after his father joined the revolution in America
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
. Having been sent to Richard at the age of 14 by his dying mother, he joined the Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
, rising through the ranks to establish himself as a daring and resourceful frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
captain, as his uncle had once done.
Adam's role in the series steadily increases as Richard ages and achieves high rank. After Richard's death, he becomes the principal character in the series.
Books in the Series
| Title | Publication date | ISBN | Internal chronology | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richard Bolitho, Midshipman Richard Bolitho, Midshipman Richard Bolitho, Midshipman is a novel in The Bolitho Novels, a series of nautical fiction novels set during the late 18th century in the Royal Navy by Douglas Reeman writing under the pseudonym Alexander Kent. The book was published in 1975... |
1975 | ISBN 0399610049 | 1772 | |
| Midshipman Bolitho and the Avenger Midshipman Bolitho and the Avenger Midshipman Bolitho and the Avenger is a historical fiction novel written by Douglas Reeman under the pseudonym Alexander Kent. Set in the late 18th century Royal Navy, the book is part of the Bolitho series and follows the main character Richard Bolitho.... |
1978 | ISBN 0399206523 | 1773 | |
| Band Of Brothers | 2006 | ISBN 0434010103 | 1774 | |
| Stand Into Danger | 1980 | ISBN 0-09-925380-1 | 1774 | |
| In Gallant Company | 1977 | ISBN 0-09-916970-3 | 1777 | |
| Sloop Of War | 1972 | ISBN 0-09-908820-7 | 1778 | |
| To Glory We Steer | 1968 | ISBN 978-0-09-952786-2 | 1782 | |
| Command a King's Ship | 1973 | ISBN 978-0-099-54985-7 | 1784 | |
| Passage To Mutiny | 1976 | ISBN 978-0-09-126330-0 | 1789 | |
| With All Despatch | 1988 | ISBN 978-0-09-949388-4 | 1792 | |
| Form Line of Battle | 1969 | ISBN 978-0-09-908850-9 | 1793 | |
| Enemy In Sight! | 1970 | ISBN 0-09-905520-1 | 1794 | |
| Flag Captain | 1971 | ISBN 0-09-907180-0 | 1797 | |
| Signal – Close Action! | 1974 | ISBN 0-09-912940-X | 1798 | |
| The Inshore Squadron | 1977 | ISBN 0-09-919490-2 | 1800 | |
| A Tradition Of Victory | 1981 | ISBN 9780099497677 | 1801 | |
| Success To The Brave | 1983 | ISBN 0-09-936370-4 | 1802 | |
| Colours Aloft! | 1986 | ISBN 978-0-0995-4339-8 | 1803 | |
| Honour This Day | 1987 | ISBN 978-0-0995-4341-1 | 1804 | |
| The Only Victor | 1990 | ISBN 0-330-31840-3 | 1806 | |
| Beyond The Reef | 1992 | ISBN 0-330-31957-4 | 1808 | |
| The Darkening Sea | 1993 | ISBN 0-330-32917-0 | 1809 | |
| For My Country's Freedom | 1995 | ISBN 0-330-34474-9 | 1811 | |
| Cross Of St. George | 1996 | ISBN 978-0-09-949773-8 | 1813 | |
| Sword of Honour | 1998 | ISBN 0-09-942168-2 | 1814 | |
| Second to None | 1999 | ISBN 0-09-928059-0 | 1815 | |
| Relentless Pursuit | 2001 | ISBN 9780434008841 | 1815 | |
| Man of War | 2003 | ISBN 9780434010080 | 1817 | |
| Heart of Oak | 2007 | ISBN 9780434013517 | 1818 | |
| In the King's Name | 2011 | ISBN 9781846055430 | 1819 |
There were also some omnibus editions which collected several books from the series into one volume
| Title | Publication date | ISBN | Volumes included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midshipman Bolitho | ISBN 0-09-986350-2 |
|
||
| Captain Richard Bolitho, RN | 1978 | ISBN 978-0091341305 |
|
|
| Bolitho |
|
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| The Bolitho Omnibus | 1991 | ISBN 0091751187 |
|
|
| Bolitho | 1993 | ISBN 0434000248 |
|
|
| The Complete Midshipman Bolitho | 2006 | ISBN 978-1590131275 |
|
|
Ships in which Bolitho serves
| Book | Ship | Guns | Class | Captain | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMS Manxman | 80 | Third-rate Third-rate In the British Royal Navy, a third rate was a ship of the line which from the 1720s mounted between 64 and 80 guns, typically built with two gun decks . Years of experience proved that the third rate ships embodied the best compromise between sailing ability , firepower, and cost... ship of the line Ship of the line A ship of the line was a type of naval warship constructed from the 17th through the mid-19th century to take part in the naval tactic known as the line of battle, in which two columns of opposing warships would manoeuvre to bring the greatest weight of broadside guns to bear... |
Captain Sir Henry Langford | Midshipman | 1768–1772 | |
| Richard Bolitho, Midshipman | HMS Gorgon | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Beves Conway | Midshipman | 1772 |
| Midshipman Bolitho and the 'Avenger | HM Cutter Avenger | 10 – 6 lb guns | Cutter | Lieutenant Hugh Bolitho | Midshipman | 1773 |
| Band Of Brothers | HM Schooner Hotspur | 14 | Armed schooner Armed schooner An armed schooner was a small warship of the age of sail, most often of schooner rig but the term is also used for other rigs, for example was cutter rigged.-See also::Category:Royal Navy schooners:Category:United States Navy schooners* List of schooners... |
Lieutenant Montagu Verling | Midshipman | 1774 |
| Stand Into Danger | HMS Destiny | 28 | Frigate Frigate A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"... |
Captain Henry Dumaresq | Lieutenant | 1774 |
| In Gallant Company | HMS Trojan | 80 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Gilbert Pears | Lieutenant | 1777 |
| Sloop Of War | HM Sloop Sparrow | 18 | Sloop-of-war Sloop-of-war In the 18th and most of the 19th centuries, a sloop-of-war was a warship with a single gun deck that carried up to eighteen guns. As the rating system covered all vessels with 20 guns and above, this meant that the term sloop-of-war actually encompassed all the unrated combat vessels including the... |
Commander Richard Bolitho | Commander, junior captain | 1778–1781 |
| To Glory We Steer | HMS Phalarope | 32 | Frigate | Captain Richard Bolitho | Post captain | 1782 |
| Command a King's Ship | HMS Undine | 32 | Frigate | Captain Richard Bolitho | Post captain | 1784 |
| Passage To Mutiny | HMS Tempest | 36 | Frigate | Captain Richard Bolitho | Post captain | 1789 |
| With All Dispatch | HM Cutter Telemachus | 12 | Cutter | Lieutenant Joe Paice | Captain-in-chief | 1792 |
| With All Dispatch | HM Cutter Snapdragon | 12 | Cutter | Lieutenant Hector Vatass | Captain-in-chief | 1792 |
| With All Dispatch | HM Cutter Wakeful | 12 | Cutter | Lieutenant Charles Queely | Captain-in-chief | 1792 |
| Form Line of Battle! Enemy In Sight! |
HMS Hyperion | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Richard Bolitho | Post captain | 1793 |
| The Flag Captain | HMS Euryalus | 100 | First-rate First-rate First rate was the designation used by the Royal Navy for its largest ships of the line. While the size and establishment of guns and men changed over the 250 years that the rating system held sway, from the early years of the eighteenth century the first rates comprised those ships mounting 100... ship of the line |
Captain Richard Bolitho | Post captain | 1797 |
| Signal – Close Action! | HMS Lysander | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Thomas Herrick | Commodore | 1798 |
| The Inshore Squadron A Tradition of Victory |
HMS Benbow | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Thomas Herrick | Rear-admiral | 1800–1801 |
| Success To The Brave | HMS Achates | 64 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Valentine Keen | Vice-admiral | 1802 |
| Colours Aloft! | HMS Argonaute | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Valentine Keen | Vice-admiral | 1803 |
| Honour This Day | HMS Hyperion | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain Edmund Haven Captain Valentine Keen |
Vice-admiral | 1804–1805 |
| The Only Victor | HMS Truculent | 36 | Frigate | Captain Daniel Poland | Vice-admiral | 1806 |
| The Only Victor Beyond The Reef |
HMS Black Prince | 94 | Second-rate Second-rate In the British Royal Navy, a second rate was a ship of the line which by the start of the 18th century mounted 90 to 98 guns on three gun decks; earlier 17th century second rates had fewer guns and were originally two-deckers or had only partially armed third gun decks. The term in no way implied... ship of the line |
Captain Valentine Keen | Vice-admiral | 1806–1809 |
| The Darkening Sea | HMS Valkyrie | 42 | Frigate | Captain Aaron Trevenen | Vice-admiral | 1809–1810 |
| For My Country's Freedom Cross of St George |
HMS Indomitable | 44 | Razee Razee A razee or razée is a sailing ship that has been cut down to reduce the number of decks. The word is derived from the French vaisseau rasé, meaning a razed ship.-Sixteenth century:... |
Captain James Tyacke | Admiral | 1811–1813 |
| Sword of Honour | HMS Frobisher | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Captain James Tyacke | Admiral | 1814 |
| Book | Ship | Guns | Class | Captain | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enemy in Sight! | HMS Hyperion | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Richard Bolitho | Midshipman | 1794 |
| HMS Impulsive | 64 | Third-rate ship of the line | Thomas Herrick | Midshipman | 1795–1797 | |
| Signal -Close Action! | HMS Lysander | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Richard Bolitho (commodore) | Lieutenant | 1798–1800 |
| A Tradition of Victory | HMS Phalarope | 32 | Frigate | Daniel Emes | Lieutenant | 1801 |
| Colours Aloft! Honour This Day |
HMS Firefly | 14 | Brig Brig A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries... |
Adam Bolitho | Commander/captain | 1803–1805 |
| The Only Victor Beyond the Reef The Darkening Sea For My Country's Freedom |
HMS Anemone | 38 | Frigate | Adam Bolitho | Captain | 1806–1812 |
| Cross of St George Sword of Honour |
HMS Valkyrie | 42 | Frigate | Adam Bolitho | Flag captain | 1813–1814 |
| Second to None Relentless Pursuit |
HMS Unrivalled | 46 | Frigate | Adam Bolitho | Captain | 1815 |
| Man of War | HMS Athena | 74 | Third-rate ship of the line | Adam Bolitho | Flag captain | 1817 |
| Heart of Oak In The King's Name |
HMS Onward | 38 | Frigate | Adam Bolitho | Captain | 1818-1819 |
See also
- Horatio HornblowerHoratio HornblowerHoratio Hornblower is a fictional Royal Navy officer who is the protagonist of a series of novels by C. S. Forester. He was later the subject of films and television programs.The original Hornblower tales began with the 1937 novel The Happy Return Horatio Hornblower is a fictional Royal Navy...
- Douglas ReemanDouglas ReemanDouglas Edward Reeman, born at Thames Ditton, is a British author who has written many historical fiction books on the Royal Navy, mainly set during either World War II or the Napoleonic Wars....